Audition Invitation

[dude1234]

How hard is it usually to be invited to a live audition for a section position in a major orchestra (big five)? How does this change when auditioning for a maybe considered less prestigious orchestra (e.g. LA Phil, Baltimore, NSO, Minnesota, etc... not saying those are not as good).

What is the average percentage of players who get their tapes accepted? What qualifications do those usually have (still in school, BM, MM, professional experience, etc...)?

Thanks a lot for your answers.

[Blakewdm]

It is pretty tough, though most of the top five will take all comers. I cannot speak for LA or San Fransisco, But Philly, New York, And Chicago let anyone audition who wishes. Boston typically requires a tape and is very picky, Cleveland does some resume screening. It may be more difficult to be invited to some of the other orchestras you listed. For Minnesota principal I think there were two tapes accepted, and most individuals who already had or had been in an Icsom orchestra were allowed to audition. It would help to have a certain degree of experience to be invited to audition( sub work with a bigger orchestra, or full time position in a smaller orchestra). Also some times if one is denied entrance there is an option to still come, and the committee will advise against it.